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Port St. Lucie opens probe after residents report mass fish deaths following canal spraying
Summary
Residents reported thousands of dead fish and chemical odors after recent herbicide spraying; city staff say early tests show low dissolved oxygen and say they are investigating and coordinating with contractor ABC.
Port St. Lucie officials opened an investigation after residents reported large numbers of dead fish in multiple canals following a herbicide application the week of June 16, 2025. Residents told city council members they found thousands of dead fish, an oily film and strong odors near homes on canals including one residents identified as the "Elk Chem" waterway.
Why it matters: Residents said the waterways are a daily recreational and economic asset for Port St. Lucie and raised concerns about human and pet exposure, municipal fish-restocking investments and the need for city transparency on chemical use and testing.
Multiple residents spoke during the council's public comment period. Stephanie White told the council she saw dead fish in a canal behind her house after she said the canal was sprayed with an herbicide on Monday, June 16. "Not sure what it is," she said. "By Thursday, we had thousands of fish dead in the canal behind my home. I…
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